Weeping Katsura Cercidiphyllum japonicum f. pendulum 'Amazing Grace'
ABOUT
The plant known as the Weeping Katsura 'Amazing Grace' possesses a visually enchanting appearance. This elegant variety showcases long, cascading branches that gently drape downwards, much like a finely woven curtain. The heart-shaped leaves create a delightful sense of movement as they flutter in the breeze, and these foliage pieces are quite a sight to behold throughout the various seasons. In springtime, the leaves emerge with a purple or pinkish tinge, providing the plant with a blush of color. As the months progress into summer, the leaves transition into a lush blue-green hue, offering a refreshing verdancy to the plant's presentation. The leaves are not merely a flat shade but instead exhibit a subtle mixture of tones that might resemble a watercolor painting. Once autumn arrives, the Weeping Katsura 'Amazing Grace' takes center stage with a stunning display. The foliage transforms yet again, this time adopting a golden, apricot, or even orange color palette. The sight is reminiscent of a classic fall scene, with the leaves embodying the essence of the season's warm and inviting colors. There is also a sensory appeal as the fallen leaves are known to release a sweet aroma somewhat reminiscent of burnt sugar or cotton candy, which adds a multi-dimensional experience to this specimen. The leaf shape and fall colors may vary slightly due to environmental factors, but the overall impression remains one of elegant beauty with seasonal dynamics that evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature's artistry. The bark of the Weeping Katsura 'Amazing Grace' is another contributing factor to its beauty. Though not as flamboyant as the changing leaves, the bark has a smooth and graceful quality that provides visual interest, particularly in the dormant season when the leaves have fallen away. The overall form of the Weeping Katsura 'Amazing Grace' is sweeping and flowing, creating a serene landscape feature that can both complement the elements around it and stand as a focal point in its own right. Its pendulous nature makes it a distinctly picturesque plant that can adorn any garden with a touch of gracefulness and a display of nature's ever-changing canvas.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cercidiphyllaceae
Synonyms
Weeping Katsura Tree, Pendulous Katsuratree, Amazing Grace Katsura
Common names
Cercidiphyllum japonicum var. pendulum 'Amazing Grace'
ToxicityTo humans
The Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) is not known to be toxic to humans. If any part of the plant were ingested, it is generally considered safe and does not typically cause poisoning or adverse symptoms.
To pets
For pets, the Katsura tree is also non-toxic. It is not known to cause any harmful effects if your pet happens to ingest any part of the plant. Therefore, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with this tree in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Height
20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
Spread
20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Japan China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Amazing Grace' has a weeping form that is particularly attractive in landscapes and gardens.
- Fall Color: The plant is known for its beautiful autumn foliage, which turns vivid shades of yellow, orange, and red.
- Spring Interest: In springtime, heart-shaped leaves unfurl, providing a fresh, green appearance that signals the end of winter.
- Sensory Experience: When the leaves fall, they exude a pleasant smell that is often likened to burnt sugar or cotton candy, adding to the sensory appeal of the plant.
- Shade Provision: With its broad canopy, the weeping katsura provides shade and can help in reducing local temperatures and creating comfortable outdoor spaces.
- Habitat Value: The tree can offer shelter and food for various insects and birds, enhancing local biodiversity.
- Four-Season Interest: The weeping katsura offers visual interest throughout the year with its changing foliage, structural form, and fragrant leaf fall.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, the tree requires minimal care, making it a convenient choice for gardeners and landscapers.
- Flexibility in Landscaping: It can be planted as a specimen tree or used in group plantings, affording versatility in design and planning.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Craft Material: The pendulous branches of Katsura can be used in basket weaving or as a natural crafting material for DIY decorations.
- Photography Subject: Katsura offers a picturesque subject for photographers, especially during the fall when its leaves change colors.
- Bonsai: Katsura can be carefully pruned and maintained as a bonsai tree, adding a unique element to this traditional Japanese art form.
- Aromatherapy: When the leaves of Katsura fall and decompose, they exude a sweet scent reminiscent of burnt sugar or cotton candy, which can be a natural aromatherapy source in gardens.
- Edible Landscaping: Although not commonly consumed, the leaves of Katsura are technically edible and can add a unique aspect to an edible landscape design.
- Culinary Decoration: The striking foliage of Katsura can be used to garnish plates or buffet tables for special occasions in the fall.
- Educational Tool: Katsura can serve as an educational tool in botany or horticulture programs, where students can study its unique leaf morphology and growth habits.
- Sound Barrier: When planted in mass, Katsura can act as a sound barrier due to the dense canopy of weeping branches that absorb sound waves.
- Natural Play Area: The weeping form of Katsura provides a unique natural structure for children to play under, possibly making it a feature in imaginative garden play areas.
- Season Indicator: In regions with distinct seasons, Katsura's change in leaf color can serve as a natural indicator of the transition from summer to fall.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Katsura tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Katsura tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Timelessness - The weeping katsura, as an ancient species, is often associated with timelessness and endurance, symbolizing entities that withstand the test of time.
- Grace - With its elegant pendulous branches, the weeping katsura is emblematic of grace and poise, often reflecting the beauty in flowing forms and movements.
- Change - The weeping katsura tree experiences a dramatic change in color throughout the seasons, symbolizing transformation and adaptability.
- Memory - In Japan, the katsura tree is tied to folklore and memory, suggesting a connection to nostalgic elements and the remembrance of past stories or events.
- Nature's Harmony - Its leaves, which resemble hearts, can produce a sugary scent in the fall, symbolizing the harmonious and sweet aspects of nature.
WaterWeeping Katsura trees prefer consistently moist, well-drained soil, especially when they are young. Watering should be done deeply once a week, providing about 1.5 gallons of water for smaller trees and up to 5 gallons for larger, established trees, depending on weather conditions and soil type. During hot, dry spells, it may be necessary to water twice weekly, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply to encourage root growth. In the winter months or during periods of rain, reduce watering frequency to prevent waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot.
LightWeeping Katsura trees thrive best in full sun to partial shade, with at least four hours of direct sunlight each day. An ideal spot would be an area where the tree can receive morning sun and some afternoon shade, especially in regions with hot summers, to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureThe Weeping Katsura tree is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8, tolerating minimum temperatures down to around -30°F and maximum temperatures up to approximately 90°F. The ideal growing temperature range for this tree is between 60°F to 80°F. It's important to protect the tree from harsh winter winds and extreme summer heat.
PruningPruning Weeping Katsura trees should be done to remove any dead, diseased, or crossed branches, and to maintain its shape. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It is generally recommended to prune lightly every 2 to 3 years for young trees and less frequently for mature trees, always after the coldest part of winter has passed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWeeping Katsura Tree prefers moist, well-draining soil with a high content of organic matter. A good mix could include garden soil, compost, peat moss, and perlite to ensure proper drainage. The ideal soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, in the range of 5.5 to 7.5.
RepottingWeeping Katsura Trees are typically planted in the ground due to their size and do not require frequent repotting. However, if grown in a large container, young trees may need repotting every 2-3 years to accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingWeeping Katsura Tree does well in average outdoor humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements. Consistently maintaining high humidity is not necessary for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suited for indoor growth; needs ample space.
Outdoor
Plant in moist soil, partial to full sun, and space well.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleCercidiphyllum japonicum f. pendulum 'Amazing Grace', commonly known as Weeping Katsura, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in moist, fertile soil, typically in spring. The seedling stage is marked by the emergence of the first leaves and root development. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops a distinctive weeping form with heart-shaped leaves on pendulous branches that mature with the onset of summer. During the reproductive stage, the Weeping Katsura, which is dioecious (having separate male and female plants), produces small, inconspicuous flowers in early spring, before the leaves; however, the flowers are often not noticeable. Pollination may occur through wind, leading to the production of dry, pod-like fruits that release winged seeds for dispersal. Over the years, the tree matures and reaches its full size, potentially up to 25 feet tall, and it may continue to live and reproduce for several decades, changing foliage color spectacularly in autumn before entering dormancy in winter.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Cercidiphyllum japonicum f. pendulum 'Amazing Grace', commonly known as Weeping Katsura, can be effectively propagated through softwood cuttings. The optimal time for taking cuttings is in late spring or early summer when new growth is still flexible but mature enough to root easily. To propagate using cuttings, one should select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut sections about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long. Removing the lower leaves and dipping the cut end into a rooting hormone can enhance rooting success. The cuttings are then placed in a pot with a moistened mix of peat and perlite, ensuring that at least one or two sets of leaf nodes are buried in the substrate. The environment should be kept humid, which can be achieved by covering the pot with a plastic bag or dome to maintain moisture without the leaves staying wet. Providing bottom heat can also encourage root development, with proper care leading to successful rooting within a few weeks.
